Moving on the Cheap: 6 Tips for Cutting Costs

As if packing all your possessions, forwarding the mail and cleaning out decades of junk wasn't stressful enough, just wait until you see the mover's bill.

Of course, the damage will depend on the amount of stuff you have and where you're moving.
See rest of article: http://www.smartmoney.com/spending/deals/Moving-on-the-Cheap-6-Tips-for-Cutting-Costs-and-Hassles/

Selling Your Home? 4 Reasons to Work With Me

I am a real estate professional. Here are four of many reasons why it pays to work with me:

1. I can offer property marketing power. A large share of real estate sales comes through previous clients, referrals, friends, and family rather than through advertising. When a property is marketed with my help, you do not have to allow strangers into your home. I will generally prescreen and accompany qualified prospects through your property.

2. I speak the language. If you don’t know the terms CMA, HOA, and other common real estate terms, you can understand why it’s important to work with someone like me. I am a professional who is immersed in the industry and I know the real estate language.

3. I have experience. Having a full-time real estate professional on your side is crucial! Most people buy and sell only a few homes in a lifetime, usually with quite a few years in between each purchase. Even if you have done it before, laws and regulations change. I will handle hundreds of real estate transactions over the course of my career, and I will be looking out for the pitfalls.

4. I am an objective voice. A home is not just four walls. It often symbolizes family, rest, and security, and the purchase/sale can be an emotional undertaking. For most people, a home is the biggest purchase they’ll every make. Having a concerned, but objective, third party like me helps you stay focused on both the emotional and financial issues most important to you.
Let me take care of your home sale today. Contact me, Vera Achino.

Finally! A new home search alternative

I get frustrated when I post my listings on the web. After I post the listing, I want to check it. On some of the sites it's almost impossible to find my listing, because the search parameters are poor. Also when I put price or status changes in, it can take days for the change to show up. I feel for those who are trying to find a home on these sites!

Now there's a much better alternative for our local area. The site is maintained by the same company that provides information to us real estate professionals. I was going to compare it to other sites, but when I really thought about it, there is no comparison. It's that good. Here's what the site offers:

Live listings from the Multiple Listing service system, meaning information is always up to date with price, status, and other changes.

Full-sized photos, and lots of them.

When you create an account, you can mark your favorite listings, write notes to yourself, and create your own searches.

With an account, you can have the system automatically update you by email on new listings for each search.

Best of all, you can share the information with family, friends, and followers on sites like Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter. You can also use e-mail and Permalink to get feedback on what they think of your favorites!

In addition, you can get driving directions for any listings you select. Maps and aerial imagery is also available.

Here's the site link:

http://www.bestroanokehomes.com/

Save this to your favorites, and let others know of this great new alternative!

Using Water Wisely

These techniques will not only save you money, it will help protect water supplies:


1. Check for leaking toilets
2. Take shorter showers
3. Water your garden before 10am or after 7pm
4. Use a broom to clean, not a hose
5. Turn off water when brushing teeth or washing hands
6. Fix leaky faucets
7. Water lawns about one inch a week

Source: Western Virginia Water Authority
http://www.westernvawater.org/WebMgmt/ywbase61b.nsf/DocName/$WVWAHome

The Coolest Sport in Town

Is you child tired of playing soccer, baseball, and football, or do they want to try something new? How about Ice Hockey? It truly is the "coolest" sport in town!

The Valley Youth Hockey Association will be having Walk-up Registration and Equipment Swap for returning players on Thursday August 8/13 from 6-8 p.m. and on Saturday August 8/15 from 10am to 12 noon at the Roanoke Civic Center.
For new players the Learn to Play program is available for online registration now in two age groups, boys and girls ages 5-8, and boys and girls age 9+.

Registration is a two-step process. Players will register both with Valley Youth Hockey Association and also with USA Hockey. Learn to Play clinics are tentatively scheduled to begin in September.

For more information, please visit the Valley Youth Hockey Association site at

http://www.vyhroanoke.com/

How Does Your School Measure Up?

With the tax holiday this weekend, many of us are focusing on students returning back to school, or entering a new school. I found a useful website that allows parents to compare schools and choose the right school for your child. In addition, the site features parent-to-parent discussions, tips on topics like homework, tutoring, and bullying, and advice on moving with kids. It even addresses learning disabilities. Here's the link:

http://www.greatschools.net/

This site won a "webby award" in 2007 for best family and parenting site. Let me know what you think of it.

Consumer Reports Best Buys: Window Air Conditioners

It's gonna be really hot today! If your window air conditoner isn't performing at its peak, maybe you should think about replacing it. Consumer Reports recommends the following best buys:
Midsized window air conditoners operate at 7,000 to 8,200 BTUs per hour and cools about 250-400 square feet:
Kenmore 76081

Large window air conditioners operate at 9,800 to 12,500 BTUs per hour and cools about 350-650 square feet:
Kenmore 75101
Kenmore 75121

Consumer Reports Best Buys: Washers and Dryers

Front Loading Washers:
GE WCVH6800J(WW), $800.00

Top Loading Washers:
Maytag MTW5800T(W), $500.00

Electric Dryers:
LG Brand DLE2516, $700.00(W)
Kenmore 800 series 6982(2) 6983(), $600
GE Profile DPSE810EG(WT), $625.00

Gas Dryers:
LG Brand DLG25161(), $700.00
Kenmore 800 series 7982(), 7983(), $600.00
GE Profile DPSE810GG(), $625.00

Latest issue of Vera's Real Estate News: best issue so far!

I have to say the newest issue of my monthly newsletter is the best one so far. Whether you are buying or selling, just thinking about it, or just moved in, there is something in this newsletter for you.
It features Consumer Reports Best Buys, do's and dont's of home selling, a link to the best home search site available, plus more articles, listings, and links.
Copy and paste this link:

http://www.clientdirect.net/news/?Pub=35020

I welcome suggestions for articles, and of course if you would like to see your home featured, please contact me!